Improve your mining separation processes

Maximize the results of processes like flotation and thickening thanks to precise instrumentation

Declining ore grades pose a special challenge for mining operations. Of course there are various processing techniques to get the most out of the raw materials like thickening and flotation. But naturally they consume energy, chemicals and water. Which means that, to balance out the yield and the costs, the extraction processes must run at an optimum level. Especially in times of volatile markets and prices.

35%

productivity loss in mining

That is the result of a study done by the international consulting group McKinsey. They state that mines worldwide lost roughly one third of their productivity in the years 2004-2014.

Get more out of it

Flotation and thickening are fundamental steps in modern mining separation processes. Achieving an optimal separation however is a complex task due to the many interconnected variables. Both processes use chemicals which are one of the main cost drivers. And they consume also a lot of water, which in some mining regions can be a very scarce resource, which the plants first have to produce through processes like desalination of salt water for example.

Froth interface solutions for flotation tanks

Increase recovery rates and grades

Reduce gangue carry over

Optimize chemical dosing

Improve the water utilization

Learn more about the optimization of mining extraction

Applications

Flotation optimization

Flotation is used in various mining processes such as gold and copper to recover mineral particles finer than 500 micron or 35 Mesh. The most important parameters for process efficiency are: Flow and density measurement of feedstock, froth height, a precise determination of the froth and liquid slurry interface, liquid pH and Eh, dosing and quality of chemical reagents, froth bubble quality and air flow if used for agitation.

Froth level and froth to pulp interface

The level of the froth and the froth/pulp interface are one of the key factors for the process. We recommend using a Prosonic interface measurement transmitter with two ultrasonic sensors if instruments can be installed at the top of the tank in combination with an XPSFloatTM system consisting of a PTFE coated conical float, a teflon rod and a target plate. One sensor measures the distance to the bubble surface and the second, the distance to the target plate, the difference is the foam height.

Chemical reagent dosing

The dry solids content and feed rate and the froth height can be used as a feed forward signal for the xanthate, frother and pH modification chemical dosing control loop. A Promass I coriolis flow meter can input these parameters and enable very accurate dosing. And the unique Promass Heartbeat Technology enables operators to monitor the quality of the reagent with respect to viscosity, density and temperature in addition to any pipe line corrosion or sticky build up.

Improve your thickener

Thickening is the separation of suspended particles from a liquid by gravity settling. The mineral feed stream enters the thickener through the central feed well as slurry. Solids settle on the tank bottom and this process is sped up by adding a liquid chemical flocculent. For effective thickener control, six measurements are critical: bed mass inventory, bed level, underflow density and flow, flocculent dosing and overflow clarity.

Bed level measurement

Bed level or height measurement controls the flocculent addition rate. It gives feedback regarding the effectiveness of the flocculent dosing process. Additionally, it can show the surface profile of the fluidized bed and give an early warning of solids carrying over in the clarified liquid overflow. Bed level is ideally measured using submersible sonar technology.

Bed mass analysis

Bed mass inventory is inferred from a pressure measurement in the cone or tank outlet. This controls the underflow pump speed. It is best measured using a pressure sensor with a ceramic diaphragm since the solids particle mass is generally very abrasive. This measurement records the pressure of the sludge and liquid column that is present.

Browse through our portfolio!

Browse through our portfolio!

Analysis

Analysis

Water, beverages, dairy products, chemicals or pharmaceuticals have to be analyzed every day. Choose the device best suited to your process needs from our comprehensive product portfolio.

Flowmeter

Flowmeter

Water, natural gas, steam, mineral oil, chemicals are some of the fluids that have to be measured day in, day out. Select the flowmeter best suited to your process needs.

Level

Level

Continuous level measurement and point level detection in liquids and bulk solids

Pressure

Software

Apart from all relevant measuring and system technologies, we also offer appropriate software for all branches of industry that provide to run your operating processes at its full potential.

System products

System products

Applicator

Temperature measurement

Temperature measurement

Thermometers and transmitters for the process industry

Solutions to improve productivity while lowering your costs

Solutions to improve productivity while lowering your costs

With the combination of reliable instruments and systems combined with services addressing your needs we help you to overcome your challenges. Learn more about the possibilities available to you.

Service portfolio

Service portfolio

Services by your side - Committed to your business, for improved plant performance

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Benefits

Whatever challenges you face with your extraction processes - be it low yields, high OPEX or expensive maintenance routines - thanks to the in-depth industry expertise of our consultants they know exactly how to improve your processes. Together with our customers they have achieved remarkable results during the past 60 years - thanks also to our industry-optimized instrumentation portfolio.